Camara handed early F1 debut with Haas in Brazil
Haas has confirmed that Brazilian F2 championship leader Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Ferrari junior makes his Formula 1 debut on home soil at Interlagos while leading the F2 standings. He partners Ollie Bearman after the team ruled out Ocon's return this season.
Camara confirmed for Sao Paulo
Haas announced on November 3 that Rafael Camara will drive for the team at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. [1] The 21-year-old Brazilian leads the Formula 2 championship and was already signed to join the squad full-time in 2027. [2] He replaces Esteban Ocon, whom the team confirmed will not return to a race seat for the remainder of the 2026 season. [1]
Camara partners Ollie Bearman at Interlagos. The move brings forward his planned debut by several months. He impressed the team during a private test in a previous Haas car at Portimao in August. [2]
Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, who replaced Ocon in Mexico City and scored a point, is unavailable due to World Endurance Championship commitments. [1]
Home debut at Interlagos
He joins Gabriel Bortoleto on the grid, giving Brazil two drivers in the championship for the first time since 2016.
Related reading
- [1]F2 racer Camara to make F1 debut at Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Haas confirm Ocon will not return (formula1). Accessed 2026-11-04.
- [2]Rafael Camara to debut in F1 Brazil GP as Esteban Ocon out at Haas (motorsport). Accessed 2026-11-04.